CAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE,
VA., June 24,1862.
We have been in a pleasant state of excitement for the last
twenty-four hours, under the impression that the enemy were disposed to attack
our right flank in force, in which case the first onset would be received by
our division. The result of this little expectation is our being under arms
from before daylight (3 A. M.) till nightfall, and the almost total destruction
of one's rest at night by constant and frequent orders, messages, etc.,
occurring from hour to hour. The trouble about the whole thing is that the men
become wearied with these constant stampedes, as they are called, and it
becomes more and more difficult to get them out at any prescribed time, they
saying, "Oh, it's the old cry of wolf!" and I am really afraid we
shall carry out the old fable, and when the wolf does come, be unprepared. I
don't intend, however, that such shall be the case with my command, and am
making myself very unpopular by insisting on the utmost vigilance and requiring
all hands to be up and ready by daylight every morning, whether we have a
stampede or not.
Last evening Reynolds made a reconnoissance of the enemy's
position, driving in their pickets, stirring them up generally and making them
display their force. I think he had two or three men wounded in the affair.
This morning all seems quiet, though late last night it was the impression of
the superior officers on our side that we should be attacked. To be sure, there
was a very heavy fall of rain during the night, overflowing the Chickahominy
Swamp, and most probably preventing any attack, had they designed making one.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 278
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